Summer, Nesting, Vacation.

The North Carolina summer is upon us. The mountains have filled with a familiar heat, a heat that fills us with dreams of swimming holes and watermelons.
We happen to have watermelons growing in the garden of our new house! As well as tomatoes, peppers, herbs, squash, cucumbers and all kinds of other things I cant remember. I have decided to be more participatory this year. Yet, for all intensive purposes, it is still Dustin's garden . He patiently teaches me and tends to the beds with his already vast knowledge of plants. Our back yard is bordered by the experimental forest (part of UNCA-University of North Carlina at Asheville-Dustin's future Alma Mater), and oh my, do we have grand plans for this place. The inside is still coming along. Carpets have been acquired (for free!), pictures have been hung, but there is still so much space to fill. So many things accumulate, so many projects to start.
Dustin planted hops in the empty garden bed last night. Next year they shall grow up our porch and add some much needed color to our white washed house. I doubt he will be able to resist brewing some home beers with them as well.
And me? I spend the evenings on the porch. Reading my book, writing in my journal and sipping beers with my ladies. Taking in this neighborhood that we love so much, Giving thanks for our place in it. Imagining our life here. But first: a much needed vacation. Oregon for three weeks. Oh, Goody!!!!